Thursday, February 11, 2016
Joe Lauyer was my father. He was there for me during my HS and college years when I had no father. He taught me the importance of hard work by making me work 30+ days in a row without a day off, for 12+ hours a day in the 100+ degree heat and not complain about it. He told me to never complain because no one cares to hear about it, and that there is always someone willing to work harder than you. He taught me how to always be on time, and when I wasn’t he would chase me off the job site…….I now know why he did that. He showed me unconditional love by welcoming me as a part of the Lauyer family, even when I didn’t deserve it. He taught me about respect, responsibility, love and family. My heart is broken and filled with sadness at his passing. But I know that there is so much of Joe living on in all of the the amazing Lauyer family. And I know that Joe lives on in my own daughters, when I see their hard work, love and passion in everything they do. So much of what is special in my girls is because of what Joe Lauyer taught me was important in life. Even though I am grieving at his loss, I can smile for the rest of my life knowing that the greatness of Joe Lauyer will live on with me, my girls and future children, and their children forever.
Jeff Siipola
